Development of a 4th-8th Grade Curriculum for Flying and Programming Mini Drones
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Utah State University
DigitalCommons@USU
All Graduate Plan B and other Reports Graduate Studies
5-2018
Development of a 4th-8th Grade Curriculum for
Flying and Programming Mini Drones
Jordan Lynn Bartholomew
Utah State University
Russell Scott Mayo
Utah State University
Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/gradreports
Part of the Elementary Education Commons, and the Secondary Education Commons
Recommended Citation
Bartholomew, Jordan Lynn and Mayo, Russell Scott, "Development of a 4th-8th Grade Curriculum for Flying and Programming Mini
Drones" (2018). All Graduate Plan B and other Reports. 1203.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/gradreports/1203
This Creative Project is brought to you for free and open access by the
Graduate Studies at DigitalCommons@USU. It has been accepted for
inclusion in All Graduate Plan B and other Reports by an authorized
administrator of DigitalCommons@USU. For more information, please
contact rebecca.nelson@usu.edu.
iii
ABSTRACT
Development of a 4th-8th Grade Curriculum for Flying and Programming Mini Drones
by
Jordan Lynn Bartholomew
Russell Scott Mayo
Utah State University, 2017
Major Professor: Dr. Gary Stewardson
Department: Technology and Engineering Education
This project was a joint effort by Jordan Bartholomew and Russell Mayo. The project
consisted of three parts. Part one was the development of the lesson content led by Jordan
Bartholomew. Part two was the production of a multimedia package that included lesson videos,
animations and logos for the ROAV copter mini curriculum, led by Russell Mayo. Part three
included a journal article to introduce the curriculum co-written by both Jordan and Russ. The
curriculum was developed for hands-on experiential learning and includes a computational
thinking component. The lesson videos were intended for self-instruction or in a classroom
setting. The curriculum was piloted with elementary and middle school students. This project
documents the curriculum and journal article. This project will be submitted individually by
each author for their master’s plan-B project.
iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ABSTRACT………...…………………………………………………………………………... iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS………………………………………………………………...……... iv
LIST OF FIGURES………..…………………………………………………………………......v
SECTION I: Proposal
Introduction………………………………………………………………………….…...1
Purpose.………………………………………………………………………………..…2
Need…………………………………………………………………………………….. 2
SECTION II: Article to Be Published
Introduction…………………………………………………………………………........4
ROAV copter challenge...……………………………………………………………......5
Conclusion.......…………………………………………………………………...……....8
SECTION III: Reflections
Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………….... .13
Recommendations………………………………………………………….………….... 13
REFERENCES…...…………………………………………………………………………..... . 14
APPENDIX A
CODING WITH PARROT MINI DRONES CURRICULUM………………………………. . . 15
v
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
1. Scope and sequence of coding with Parrot drones curriculum.................................7
2. Student learning the safe handling of mini drone......................................................8
3. Students remotely operating mini drone during curriculum pilot ............................8
1
SECTION I
Introduction
Introduction to Coding With Drones
In the field of Technology and Engineering Education (TEE), the rate at which new
content is presented is rapidly increasing. When new technologies emerge often times they are
so impactful on the world in which we live that the demand for education on such technologies is
vital. When drones first emerged, they were used almost primarily by the military. When they
became accessible to industries and even consumers, their potential uses multiplied with the
increasing availability. Many industries today are pushing for the widespread education and use
of drones. In fact, the agriculture industry in particular is one of the driving forces that is
pushing for the use of drones and less stringent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
regulations. Tasks that would take farmers days can now be done in minutes using a drone
equipped with the right data collecting technology. This could include surveying wet and dry
areas of a field or flying over to check crop harvest readiness.
Many Technology and Engineering education programs are driven by the demands from
industry. In recent years, the demand for skilled drone pilots has dramatically increased, and the
need for skilled technicians and programmers has as well. The Association for Unmanned
Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI, 2013) estimated over 100,000 new jobs to be created in
unmanned aerial vehicles by 2025 (p. 3). With this demand from industry, technology programs
need to step up the preparation of students for these opportunities. Not only do students need to
learn the skills of flying, they also need to master the skills of programming and computational
thinking to solve complex problems.
Within the last few years the term coding has flooded school curriculum. Even to the
2
levels of middle and elementary school. There are many programs that are teaching students to
make apps, games and web pages, but there are few that are teaching students to program drones.
Purpose
The purpose of this project was to develop a comprehensive piloting, coding, and data
collecting curriculum for the upper elementary and middle school aged students. This curriculum
offers both hands on experiences and teaches problem solving skills. The curriculum is designed
to take a student with little or no prior experience and guide them to be able to pilot, then
eventually program a Mini drone to perform a task. The tutorial style videos will guide students
and teachers through the steps with clarity and ease. The videos were designed to make it easy
for students to pause, or back up to further grasp key concepts.
This curriculum will be distributed through the http://roavcopters.usu.edu/curriculum web
page and an article will be submitted for publication in the Technology and Engineering
Teacher. This article will not only introduce the curriculum but include details of a student skill
based competition that the curriculum prepares students to compete in. This curriculum and
competition will challenge students in problem solving, coding and computational thinking. The
curriculum found in appendix A, includes the scope and sequence, lesson outlines, activities and
assessments.
Need
Just like many of the robotic competitions that are prevalent in technology education
programs now, this curriculum encompasses true STEM education. It will also aid the
development of drone programs in the future. There are many programs that offer robotics,
automation and programing, but there are no current programs or curriculum sets that offer drone
piloting, coding, problem solving, and computational thinking at the 4th-8th grade level. This
3 curriculum and its complementing videos will bring with it a new excitement to the classroom and allow students to explore a new emerging pathway focused on drone technology. The curriculum is divided into 4 units of instruction that follow a scope and sequence. Each lesson contains activities and assessments. This curriculum can be implemented in its entirety in 2-3 weeks but can be adapted into longer lessons depending on the age group and skill level.
4
SECTION II
Article
Introduction
Revolving like clockwork, it can be seen that a new and exciting technology comes
around and makes an influential impact on the world as we know it. For example the Computer
Numerical Control (CNC) machines in manufacturing, the 3D printer for prototyping, and the
laser engraver/cutter for making models.
From parks to fields, drones or multi-rotor copters are becoming more popular as a hobby
as well as a tool in industry. This is largely in part due to the advancing technology of the
onboard control systems that are being integrated into these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Even the inexpensive models found at department stores will include a basic set of sensing
technologies such as an onboard flight controller containing a gyrometer that measures rotational
movement and an accelerometer that measures acceleration. These allow the pilot to control the
copter with ease. While the pilot controls direction and speed, the flight controller controls
balance and stabilization making it easy to fly. With the addition of global positioning system
(GPS) modules, these UAVs or drones can be programmed to fly in a specific path or hold to a
specific spot and hover. Even some of the most basic copters have built in fail safes for landing
autonomously. Most people who pick up a controller for the first time are surprised at how easy
they are to operate. Because they are so easy to fly, hobbyists and professionals are flocking to
this growing technology.
More than just flying for hobby or sport, drones are becoming a powerful tool. By
adding a camera and other sensing technologies, drones become an invaluable asset to many
industries. Some of them include news agencies, photography, movies, surveillance, transport,
5
search and rescue, and agriculture. Where expensive helicopters were required before, these
relatively inexpensive multi-rotor copters can execute the most basic to more complex tasks. A
properly equipped quadcopter can fly over a natural gas pipeline and detect leaks. Another could
quickly take flight with infrared cameras to locate a lost hiker. The possibilities are truly endless
and the jobs that will be created seem to be as well. It is projected that by 2025, over 103,776
jobs will be created related to UAVs with a projected economic impact of $3.5 billion each year
over the next ten year (AUVSI, 2017).
Drone pilots are already in demand and the need for skilled technicians to build, program,
and repair drones, is growing just as fast. In order to keep up with these demands, there needs to
be training programs for both technicians and pilots and what better way to promote and recruit
than in a high school setting. For years, technology education students have participated in
robotic competitions of many varieties. These educational competitions not only provide students
with fun opportunities, but students are also learning engineering and physics principles through
hands on interaction with building robots. This same type of program can be applied to
quadcopters. Dr. Gary Stewardson, associate professor of technology and engineering education
at Utah State University (USU), agrees that quadcopters are the next logical step to staying
current with industry demands (G. Stewardson, 2016). Stewardson has developed a challenge
based approach to educating students in this new exciting technology.
ROAV copter challenge
ROAV (remotely operated aerial vehicles) copter challenge is a tournament style
competition where students demonstrate various skills (see http://roavcopters.usu.edu/).
Although the challenge is in its early stages, it has already gained interest from teachers,
students and industry. In its first year (2016-2017) Stewardson and his colleagues trained over6
20 teams and ran two competitions. Currently, the competition consists of a variety of skill
based challenges, depending on the quadcopter platform used in each age specific division.
There are three divisions, elementary, middle, and high school. The platform for the elementary
and middle school is the "Parrot Mambo" minidrone. High school students will utilize the
"Parrot Bebop 2" drone. Students compete in five different skill challenges consisting of
manual flight, autonomous flight, computational thinking, relay race, and data acquisition.
The manual flight consists of different obstacles that the pilot must navigate through,
over, under, and around in the field. At the elementary level this is done with plain sight where
the middle and high school levels require first person view (FPV) headsets. Autonomous flight
is where the drone is programmed to fly a particular path through the course using software.
Currently the Mambo is using a drag and drop programming language called Tynker. The
computational thinking component includes a number of missions that students will have to
complete in the shortest amount of time. Students will be allowed to complete multiple missions
in one trip or multiple single mission trips. The relay portion of the challenge utilizes a pyramid
shaped baton that is carried by the drone around the course. The last component, data acquisition
consists of teams developing ways to accurately collect data. With the use of a pair of small
arduino programmable boards called "moteinos" equipped with long range (LoRa) radio
transceivers and sensors, teams will have to retrieve information from elements in the field. An
example of this would be to determine the color (red, green or blue) emitted from LEDs mounted
out of site in a bucket. Like most robotic competitions, there are many variations that can be
changed each year to maintain a high level of challenge for the teams. These challenges will be
designed to reflect real world applications of UAVs in industry.7
With the growing demand of programming and coding in K-12 classrooms from the next
generation science standards (NGSS) and the standards for technological literacy (ITEA, 2007),
graduate students at USU, Russ Mayo and Jordan Bartholomew, have taken ROAV a step further
by developing curriculum bringing the quadcopters to the 4th through 8th grade level. One of
the major difficulties for the ROAV copter challenge was the ability to train teachers and
students in order to compete in the competition. Clinics were becoming difficult to organize due
to geographical concerns of accessibility. ROAV mini is a curriculum set designed to introduce
students to the new technology of drones as well as teach logic, programming and computational
thinking with the aid of tutorial style videos.
During the creation of this curriculum, there were a few decisions that needed to be
made. The first decision was which drones should be used. The Parrot Mambo was selected due
to its’ ease of programming with the Tynker app. It also has a small light frame that doubles as a
prop guard. The frame includes connecting points on the bottom and top of the frame to easily
attach blocks or even 3D printed brackets which is useful for students to design and produce their
own unique mounting system for the sensor board. The Mambo also has some nice built in
safety features and comes at a price point that makes it a logical choice for classroom
curriculum.
Sensing technology to collect data was another primary concern. Because Learning, a
Utah based technology company caught our eye (see https://www.becauselearning.com) their
product to collect data. Because Learning produces a product called the ROAV copter sensor kit
which contains a product called the space board (see https://store.ardusat.com/products/rova-
copter-sensor-kit). The space board contains nine different sensors. This board has been used
for a variety of educational endeavors including, weather balloons, satellites, and even measuring8
acceleration of CO2 cars. The combination of the Parrot Mambo and the Because Learning
space board creates an exciting vehicle for an engaging curriculum. ROAV mini brings with it a
variety of fun lessons to the instruct and challenge students.
The Curriculum
Lessons include short videos full of engaging content from vocabulary and terms to 3D
animations and illustrations. Figure 1 shows the scope and sequence of the curriculum.
Coding with Drones: Scope and Sequence
Unit 1: Following safety procedures
1.1 Follow mini drone safety practices
1.2 Sync control device to specific minidrone
1.2a Documentation for renaming drones
Unit 2: Flying the Parrot mini drone remotely
2.1 Hover the minidrone at specified altitudes
2.2 Fly the minidrone in a square pattern without using pitch and roll controls
2.3 Fly the minidrone in a square pattern using yaw controls
2.4 Fly the minidrone through an obstacle course
2.5* Design an obstacle course and fly through it remotely
Unit 3: Flying the Parrot mini drone autonomously using Tynker
3.1 Program the minidrone to fly a simple pattern
3.2 Program the minidrone to fly through an obstacle course
3.3* Design an obstacle course and fly through it autonomously
Unit 4: Collecting data autonomously
4.1 Collect data using Ardusat space board
4.2 Design problem (making a mount for the space board)
4.3 Retrieve data remotely using minidrone and space board
4.4* Retrieve data autonomously using minidrone and space board
* Optional, for faster learners or for an extra challenge
Figure 1. Scope and sequence of the curriculum9
The lessons start with unit one focusing on safety procedures. Technological literacy implies a
student should be able to assess and use the technology in a safe manner. Students learn basic
safety practices like never touch the drone while the props are spinning and allowing only one
operator at a time to handle the remote and the drone. A quiz is used to assess safety knowledge
levels before moving on to future lessons. Figure 2 shows an instructor demonstrating to a
student the proper handling of the drone.
Figure 2. Student observes the proper handling of the drone.
Once the students have taken a safety quiz, they then move on to the second unit focusing
on the manual flight of the drone. These lessons teach students the basic controls of the drone.
Students learn proper aviation terms including yaw, pitch, and roll. Students will manually fly
the drone through a series of obstacles. Figure 3 shows students navigating obstacles during a
curriculum pilot.10
Figure 3. Student fly drone through obstacles
Unit three takes the student through the basics of programming using the Tynker app.
This app connects the drone to a graphical programming language were the students can drag
elements together to create a program. Unit four includes lessons that provide students with real
world applications of using drone technology. Students will learn about sensing technology
through the use of the Ardusat space board(https://store.ardusat.com/products/ardusat-space-
board). Students will then design and fabricate a mounting bracket to attach the board to the
mini drone in order to retrieve data. This will ultimately prepare students with the physical
infrastructure, to compete in a remote sensing skill challenge.
The ROAV mini competition has many components. The first component is a precision
flight challenge where students will remotely fly the drone through a series of obstacles. The
second component is a remote sensing challenge where students will have a number of missions
to complete. Some examples of tasks included in these missions are reading the temperature of
an aluminum plate, and determining color of light being emitted by LEDs, in a five gallon11
bucket. The competition will continue to evolve and implement new missions. Students will
decide how and what missions to complete to receive points in a given time. This is where
students will learn and apply computational thinking. "Computational thinking is the thought
processes involved in formulating a problem and expressing its solution(s) in such a way that a
computer—human or machine—can effectively carry out" (Wing, 2014, ¶ 5). In essence, it is
the ability to break down a complex problem into smaller tasks. This type of thinking is linked to
computer code. Each line of code is a part of an algorithm. A program may be made up of many
algorithms. Students will demonstrate how to effectively solve a problem in the competition in
order to complete various missions.
Conclusion
Like many new technologies implemented into classroom curriculum, drones are another
engaging method of integrating STEM education. Technology teachers are always looking for
ways to engage students and provide meaningful lessons that will impact their students lives.
This ROAV mini curriculum shows significant promise through its exciting and dynamic
approach to teach programming and technology. It should prove exceptionally motivating to
students and teachers. The curriculum is easy to implement and the competitions take the
students to a new level of active learning. This will be a new and exciting part of technology and
engineering education for years to come.12
REFERENCES
AUVSI, Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International. (2017). Economic Report.
Retrieved from http://www.auvsi.org/our-impact/economic-report.
ITEA, International Technology Education Association (2007). Standards for technological
literacy: Content for the study of technology. Reston, VA: Author.
Wing, J. M. (2014). Computational Thinking Benefits Society. Social Issues in Computing.
Retrieved from http://socialissues.cs.toronto.edu/index.html%3Fp=279.html.13
SECTION III
Reflections
Conclusion
This curriculum was developed as a way to engage students in coding and remote
sensing. Additionally, it focuses on computational thinking, which is an important skill of future
21st century professionals. Through hands on activities and real world scenarios, students can
see connections between the lessons and practical applications. When piloted, students were
excited and their level of confidence increased as they gained the skills necessary to complete the
tasks. In many situations, there were several people passing by that would stop and watch as the
students navigated the drone through and around the obstacles. Although no formal studies of
this curriculum have been implemented, the excitement and engagement it provided created
evidence that there is room for a curriculum such as this.
Recommendations
This curriculum has incorporated lessons that are challenging to many students.
Although there are lesson outlines provided, there are many ways that the lessons could be
extended to more depth. Additional lessons on topics of flight, drone design and even
automation systems could enhance the curriculum for older age groups. This curriculum was
intended to introduce and captivate younger students and encourage students to solve problems
through computational thinking. One question that could be asked is, how effective is this
curriculum at teaching what it is suppose to teach? This will hopefully be answered with further
studies and projects.14
REFERENCES
AUVSI, Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International. (2017). Economic Report.
Retrieved from http://www.auvsi.org/our-impact/economic-report.
ITEA, International Technology Education Association (2007). Standards for technological
literacy: Content for the study of technology. Reston, VA: Author.
Wing, J. M. (2014). Computational Thinking Benefits Society. Social Issues in Computing.
Retrieved from http://socialissues.cs.toronto.edu/index.html%3Fp=279.html.15 APPENDIX A Curriculum
16
Coding with Drones: Scope and Sequence
Unit 1: Following safety procedures
1.1 Follow mini drone safety practices
1.2 Sync control device to specific minidrone
1.2a Documentation for renaming drones
Unit 2: Flying the Parrot mini drone remotely
2.1 Hover the minidrone at specified altitudes
2.2 Fly the minidrone in a square pattern without using pitch and roll controls
2.3 Fly the minidrone in a square pattern using yaw controls
2.4 Fly the minidrone through an obstacle course
2.5* Design an obstacle course and fly through it remotely
Unit 3: Flying the Parrot mini drone autonomously using Tynker
3.1 Program the minidrone to fly a simple pattern
3.2 Program the minidrone to fly through an obstacle course
3.3* Design an obstacle course and fly through it autonomously
Unit 4: Collecting data autonomously
4.1 Collect data using Ardusat space board
4.2 Design problem (making a mount for the space board)
4.3 Retrieve data remotely using minidrone and space board
4.4* Retrieve data autonomously using minidrone and space board
* Optional, for faster learners or for an extra challenge17
Coding with Parrot Mini Drones
Unit 1: Following safety procedures
Terminal Objective 1.1: Follow mini drone safety practices
Performance Objective 1.1: While observing and operating mini drones, follow safety
practices at all times.
Enabling Objectives:
1. Identify Hazards
2. Demonstrate understanding of safety practices for operators and spectators
Materials and Supplies:
● Parrot mini drone: Cargo or Mambo
● Quiz 1.1: Mini Drone Safety Practices
Learning Activities:
1. Video ROAV mini 1.1 v1
2. Discussion of possible risks
Summative Assessment:
1. Quiz 1.1: Mini Drone Safety Practices with answer key
Supplemental teacher resources:
● Know before you fly (FAA rules for drones)
http://knowbeforeyoufly.org/18
Quiz 1.1: Mini Drone Safety Practices
Name: Date:
Indicate whether the statement is true or false by wiring T for true or F for false next to the
statement.
1. It is OK to fly a drone over people?
2. The fly zone is safe to stand in while drone is flying
3. A drone must be flown at least 10 ft. away from people
4. It’s not safe to pick up the drone when props are spinning
5. It’s OK to look away from the drone for just a second
6. Safety glasses must be worn when drone is in operation
7. Safety netting is required while flying more than one drone in an area
List two possible risks while operating the mini drone.
8.
9.
Read the following statement:
I understand and will follow the practices outlined in this lesson while participating in this
activity.
Signature: Date:19
Quiz 1.1: Mini Drone Safety Practices
Answer Key
Name: Date:
Indicate whether the statement is true or false by wiring T for true or F for false next to the
statement.
1. __F__ It is OK to fly a drone over people
2. F The fly zone is safe to stand in while drone is flying
3. T A drone must be flown at least 10 ft. away from people
4. T It’s not safe to pick up the drone when props are spinning
5. F It’s OK to look away from the drone for just a second
6. T Safety glasses must be worn when drone is in operation
7. T Safety netting is required while flying more than one drone in an area
8-9 List two possible risks while operating the mini drone.
Answers can come from discussion
Could connect to wrong drone
Props could break on impact
Drone could fail and fall out of sky
Props can cause harm to hands or skin
Drone can lose connection and fly toward spectators20
Coding with Parrot Mini Drones
Unit 1: Following safety procedures
Terminal Objective 1.2: Sync control device to a specific minidrone
Performance Objective 1.2: Follow procedures for syncing control device to specific mini
drone
Enabling Objectives:
1. Locate settings within app for Classroom mode
2. Safely demonstrate connecting to correct minidrone
Materials and Supplies:
● Parrot mini drone: Cargo or Mambo
● Free flight 3 app installed on a Bluetooth enabled device
Learning Activities:
1. Video: Parrot Minidrones - MAMBO - Tutorial #1: Setup
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXt88r4r2uI
2. Demonstration
Students will identify where in the Free Flight 3 app to locate which drone they are
connecting to.
Summative Assessment:
1. Performance Assessment 1.1: Connecting to minidrone
Supplemental teacher resources:
1. Operation of Mambo minidrone
https://community.parrot.com/t5/Mambo-Knowledge-Base/Using-the-Parrot-Mambo-
with-a-smartphone/ta-p/145927
2. 1.2a: Documentation for renaming the mini drone
Performance Assessment 1.2:21
Connecting to minidrone
Name: Date
Terminal Objective 1.2: Sync control device to a specific minidrone
Performance Objective 1.2: Follow procedures for syncing control device to specific
minidrone
Assessment
Skill Check Pass Retry
Followed safe practices ○ ○
Demonstrated proper power up and power down procedures ○ ○
Correctly identified assigned drone ○ ○
Connected successfully to minidrone ○ ○
Note: To pass this objective, all skill check items must receive a pass.
Assessed by: Date:
Coding with Parrot Mini Drones22
Unit 1: Following safety procedures
1.2a: Documentation for renaming the mini drone
When working in a classroom setting with multiple drones, the possibility of connecting
to the incorrect drone is likely. To mitigate this problem, it is recommended to rename the
drones to a unique and easily recognized name. The default name for the Parrot Mambo is
"Mambo_xxxxxxx". Examples of unique naming sequences would be Mambo_1, Mambo_2
and so on. Other examples could include colors such as Red, Blue, or Green. School names
and team IDs could be used to eliminate confusion at competitions. It is good practice to have
the names of the drones identified on the drone for easy reference. Using a label maker,
permanent marker, colored tape or even spray paint are good ways of identifying the drones
quickly.
Steps for renaming mini drone
1. Connect drone to freeflight mini app
2. Long press on SSID name of connected device. Default is Mambo_xxxxxxx
3. Rename device. You may have to restart mini drone and reconnect smart device.
Coding with Parrot Mini Drones23
Unit 2: Flying the Parrot mini drone remotely
Terminal Objective 2.1: Hover the Parrot mini drone
Performance Objective 2.1: Using an iPad or Android tablet, hover the Parrot mini drone at
two specified heights ± 1 foot.
Enabling Objectives:
1. Identify parts of the mini drone
2. Charge mini drone batteries
3. Connect mini drone to remote control (tablet)
4. Demonstrate the use of controls for throttle
5. Practice hovering the mini drone in safe manner
Materials and Supplies:
● iPad with iOS 8.0 or later or Android tablet with 4.0 or later
● Download and install Free flight mini app on tablet (found in app store)
● Safety glasses for all participants
● Parrot mini drone: Cargo or Mamba
● USB charging device
● Activity Sheet 2.1: Parts of the mini drone (for each student) and answer key
● Hover challenge 2.1 (for reference) and Performance Assessment 2.1: Hover challenge
● Construction style tape measure with lock
Learning Activities:
1. Video ROAV mini 2.1 v1
2. Practice charging battery (if needed), connecting devices, and hovering the mini drone.
3. Complete Activity Sheet 2.1: Parts of the mini drone
Formative Assessment:
1. Practice charging battery (if needed), connecting devices, and hovering the mini drone.
2. Complete Activity Sheet 2.1: Parts of the mini drone
Summative Assessment:
1. Safely perform hovering maneuver at two specified heights. Evaluate students using
Performance Assessment 2.1: Hover Challenge24
Supplemental teacher resources:
● How do quadcopters and multicopters fly? Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_T6LBwuBKY
● Setting up mini drone from Parrot
https://www.parrot.com/us/minidrones/parrot-Mambo#Tutorials
● Getting started Parrot Mambo
https://community.parrot.com/t5/Mambo-Knowledge-Base/Getting-Started/ta-p/145926
● Updating firmware on mini drone
https://community.parrot.com/t5/Mambo-Knowledge-Base/Update-Parrot-Mambo-Softw
are/ta-p/15364725
Activity Sheet 2.1: Parts of the mini drone
Match the parts with the correct name by writing the letter in the space provided.
1. Prop Guard 3. Prop 5. Body
2. USB cable 4. Battery 6. Frame
Answer the following questions regarding charging.
7). List the steps for charging the mini drone
a)
b)
8). What indicates that the battery is fully charged?26
Activity Sheet 2.1: Parts of the mini drone
Answer key
Match the parts with the correct name by writing the letter in the space provided.
1. _F Prop Guard 3. _B Prop 5. _D Body
2. _E __USB cable 4. _A Battery 6. _C Frame
Answer the following questions regarding charging.
7). List the steps for charging the mini drone
a. Insert battery into mini drone
b. Connect USB to charger or computer
8). What indicates that the battery is fully charged?
The red charging light will change to green.27
Hover Challenge 2.1
To set up this challenge you will need a tape measure or some way to determine a specified
height. For this example, we will use a common construction tape measure with a working
lock.
Steps:
1. Establish designated fly and safe zones in an open area
2. In the fly zone, extend tape measure to 7 feet and lock
3. Place tape measure with the end on the ground so tape is extended into the air.
(see figure 1.1)
4. Have student operating the minidrone, place drone in the fly zone
5. Move to the safe zone
6. Have student practice the task of hovering at 3 feet and 7 feet heights
7. Evaluate student’s performance using Performance Assessment 2.1: Hover
Figure 1.128
Performance Assessment 2.1:
Hover Challenge
Name: Date
Terminal Objective 2.1: Hover the Parrot mini drone
Performance Objective 2.1: Using an iPad or Android tablet, hover the Parrot mini drone at
two specified heights.
Assessment
Skill Check Pass Retry
Followed safe practices ○ ○
Demonstrated proper power up and power down procedures ○ ○
Hovered at 3 feet ± 1ft. ○ ○
Hovered at 7 feet ± 1ft. ○ ○
Note: To pass this objective, all skill check items must receive a pass.
Assessed by: Date:29
Coding with Parrot Mini Drones
Unit 2: Flying the Parrot mini drone remotely
Terminal Objective 2.2: Fly the mini drone in a square pattern using pitch and roll controls.
Performance Objective 2.2: Using an iPad or Android tablet with the free flight mini app, fly
the mini drone safely in a square pattern using pitch and roll controls in both clockwise (CW)
and counterclockwise (CCW) directions.
Enabling Objectives:
1. Identify pitch and roll as it relates to a quadcopter
2. Demonstrate how pitch controls forward and reverse, and roll controls left and right
3. Demonstrate forward, reverse, left, and right movements of the mini drone
Materials and Supplies:
● iPad with iOS 8.0 or later or Android tablet with 4.0 or later
● Download and install free flight mini app on tablet (found in app store)
● Safety glasses for all participants
● Parrot Mini Drone: Cargo or Mamba and USB charging device
● Flight Challenge 2.2 (for reference)
● Rope or other means of creating a square space
● Performance Assessment 2.2: Square Challenge, Pitch and Roll (copy for each student)
Learning Activities:
1. Video: ROAV mini 2.2 v1
2. Practice flying square pattern using pitch and roll controls
Formative Assessment:
1. Practice flying mini drone controlling pitch and roll
2. Safely perform square pattern maneuver in boundaries. (Refer to Square challenge)
Summative Assessment:
1. Evaluate students using Performance Assessment 2.2: Square Challenge, Pitch and Roll
Supplemental teacher resources:
● Flight controls for free flight 3 mini app
https://community.parrot.com/t5/Mambo-Knowledge-Base/Using-the-Parrot-Mambo-wit
h-a-smartphone/ta-p/145927
● Optional flypad accessory
https://community.parrot.com/t5/Mambo-Knowledge-Base/Parrot-Flypad/ta-p/14593230
Square Challenge 2.2
To set up this challenge you will need rope or some way to establish a square. For this example,
we will use rope and barriers to create the square area.
Steps:
1. Establish designated fly and safe zones in an open area
2. Rope off a square area using barrier stands. (figure 1.)
3. Have student operating the minidrone, place drone in the fly zone
4. Move to the safe zone
5. Have students practice flying in a CW & CCW square pattern using pitch and roll
controls (figure 2.)
6. Evaluate students using Performance Assessment 2.2: Square Challenge, Pitch and Roll
Figure 1. Figure 2.31
Performance Assessment 2.2:
Square Challenge
Name: Date
Terminal Objective 2.2: Fly the mini drone in a square pattern using pitch and roll controls
Performance Objective 2.2: Using an iPad or Android tablet with the free flight mini app, fly
the mini drone safely in a square pattern using pitch and roll controls in both clockwise and
counterclockwise directions.
Assessment
Skill Check Pass Retry
Followed safe practices ○ ○
Demonstrated proper power up and power down procedures ○ ○
Flew the mini drone in a CW square pattern using pitch and roll controls, ○ ○
Flew the mini drone in a CCW square pattern using pitch and roll controls ○ ○
Note: To pass this objective, all skill check items must receive a pass.
Assessed by: Date:32
Coding with Parrot Mini Drones
Unit 2: Flying the Parrot mini drone remotely
Terminal Objective 2.3: Fly the mini drone in a square pattern using yaw controls.
Performance Objective 2.3: Using an iPad or Android tablet with the free flight mini app, fly
the mini drone safely in a square pattern using yaw controls in both clockwise (CW) and
counterclockwise (CCW) directions.
Enabling Objectives:
1. Identify yaw as it relates to the mini drone
2. Demonstrate how yaw controls rotating left and right
Materials and Supplies:
● iPad with iOS 8.0 or later or Android tablet with 4.0 or later
● Download and install free flight mini app on tablet (found in app store)
● Safety glasses for all participants
● Parrot Mini Drone: Cargo or Mamba
● USB charging device
● Flight Challenge 2.3 (for reference)
● Rope or other means of creating a square space
● Performance Assessment 2.3: Square Challenge, Yaw (copy for each student)
Learning Activities:
1. Video: ROAV mini 2.3 v1
2. Practice flying square pattern using pitch and yaw controls
Formative Assessment:
1. Practice flying mini drone controlling yaw
2. Safely perform square pattern maneuver in boundaries. (Refer to Square challenge)
Summative Assessment:
1. Evaluate students using Performance Assessment 2.3: Square Challenge, Yaw
Supplemental teacher resources:
● Flight controls for free flight 3 mini app
https://community.parrot.com/t5/Mambo-Knowledge-Base/Using-the-Parrot-Mambo-wit
h-a-smartphone/ta-p/145927
● Optional flypad accessory
https://community.parrot.com/t5/Mambo-Knowledge-Base/Parrot-Flypad/ta-p/14593233
Square Challenge 2.3
To set up this challenge you will need rope or some way to establish a square. For this example,
we will use rope and barriers to create the square area.
Steps:
1. Establish designated fly and safe zones in an open area
2. Rope off a square area using barrier stands. (figure 1.)
3. Have student operating the minidrone, place drone in the fly zone
4. Move to the safe zone
5. Have student practice flying in a CW & CCW square pattern using yaw controls.
(figure 2.)
6. Evaluate students using Performance Assessment 2.3: Square Challenge, Yaw
Figure 1. Figure 2.34
Performance Assessment 2.3:
Square Challenge, Yaw
Name: Date
Terminal Objective 2.3: Fly the mini drone in a square pattern using yaw controls
Performance Objective 2.3: Using an iPad or Android tablet with the free flight mini app, fly
the mini drone safely in a square pattern using yaw controls in both clockwise (CW) and
counterclockwise (CCW) directions.
Assessment
Skill Check Pass Retry
Followed safe practices ○ ○
Demonstrated proper power up and power down procedures ○ ○
Flew the mini drone in a CW square pattern using yaw controls ○ ○
Flew the mini drone in a CCW square pattern using yaw controls ○ ○
Note: To pass this objective, all skill check items must receive a pass.
Assessed by: Date:35
Coding with Parrot Mini Drones
Unit 2: Flying the Parrot mini drone remotely
Terminal Objective 2.4: Fly the mini drone through an obstacle course
Performance Objective 2.4: Using an iPad or Android tablet with the free flight mini app, fly
the mini drone safely through an obstacle courses with accuracy.
Enabling Objectives:
1. Demonstrate precision flight of the mini drone using pitch, yaw, and roll
Materials and Supplies:
● iPad with iOS 8.0 or later or Android tablet with 4.0 or later
● Download and install free flight mini app on tablet (found in app store)
● Safety glasses for all participants
● Parrot Mini Drone: Cargo or Mambo with USB charging device
● Flight Challenge 2.4 (for reference)
● 3 hoops and some way to secure
● 2 foam floor tiles, 2 feet x 2 feet
● Performance Assessment 2.4: Remote flight challenge (copy for each student)
● Understanding Check 2.4: Remote flight (copy for each student) and answer key
Learning Activities:
1. Video: ROAV mini 2.4 v1
2. Understanding Check 2.4: Remote flight
Formative Assessment:
1. Practice flying mini drone through obstacle course
2. Understanding Check 2.4: Remote flight use answer key
Summative Assessment:
1. Safely perform obstacle course flight. (Refer to Remote flight challenge)
2. Evaluate students using Performance Assessment 2.4: Remote flight challenge
Supplemental teacher resources:
● Parrot Mambo Racing Club (just for fun)
● https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CR5lA4AMHlU
● Optional flypad accessory
https://community.parrot.com/t5/Mambo-Knowledge-Base/Parrot-Flypad/ta-p/14593236
Remote flight challenge 2.4
To set up this challenge you will need 3 hoops fixed in an upright position and two foam floor
tiles.
Steps:
1. Establish designated fly and safe zones in an open area
2. Set up challenge using hoops and floor tiles. (see figure 1.)
3. Have operating student place mini drone in the fly zone
4. Move to the safe zone
5. Have student practice the task of maneuvering mini drone through the hoops
6. Evaluate students using Performance Assessment 2.4: Remote flight challenge
Figure 1.37
Understanding Check 2.4:
Remote flight
Name: Date:
Fill in the blank with the proper flight control on the image below
Word bank
Yaw Left Yaw Right Pitch Forward
Pitch Backward Roll Left Roll Right
Throttle Up Throttle Down Auto Land38 Understanding Check 2.4: Remote flight Answer key
39
Performance Assessment 2.4:
Remote flight challenge
Name: Date
Terminal Objective 2:4 Fly the mini drone through an obstacle course
Performance Objective 2.4: Using an iPad or Android tablet with the free flight mini app, fly
the mini drone safely through an obstacle courses with accuracy.
Assessment
Skill Check Pass Retry
Followed safe practices ○ ○
Demonstrated proper power up and power down procedures ○ ○
Flew the mini drone generally following path ○ ○
Flew the mini drone hitting 1 or less obstacles ○ ○
Landed mini drone touching pad ○ ○
Note: To pass this objective, all skill check items must receive a pass.
Assessed by: Date:40
Coding with Parrot Mini Drones
Unit 2: Flying the Parrot mini drone remotely
Terminal Objective 2.5: Created an obstacle course
Performance Objective 2.5: Using an iPad or Android tablet with the free flight mini app,
create an obstacle course to challenge mini drone pilots flying skills.
Enabling Objectives:
1. Brainstorm course ideas
Materials and Supplies:
● iPad with iOS 8.0 or later or Android tablet with 4.0 or later
● Download and install free flight mini app on tablet (found in app store)
● Safety glasses for all participants
● Parrot Mini Drone: Cargo or Mamba
● USB charging device
● Flight Challenge 2.5 (for reference)
● Items for students to use for creating obstacle course
● Performance Assessment 2.5: Remote flight challenge (copy for each student)
● Understanding Check 2.4: Remote flight (copy for each student)
Learning Activities:
1. Obstacle course design and build
2. Practice flying through obstacle course
Formative Assessment:
1. Build and test obstacle course using mini drone
Summative Assessment:
1. Evaluate students using Performance Assessment 2.5: Remote flight challenge(optional)
Supplemental teacher resources:
● Flight controls for free flight 3 mini app
https://community.parrot.com/t5/Mambo-Knowledge-Base/Using-the-Parrot-Mambo-wit
h-a-smartphone/ta-p/145927
● Optional flypad accessory
https://community.parrot.com/t5/Mambo-Knowledge-Base/Parrot-Flypad/ta-p/14593241
Remote flight challenge 2.5 (optional)
In this challenge, students will design and build their own obstacle course to fly through. The
performance rubric for this activity ads the criteria of having three or more elements in the
course. To make this more interactive as a class, have students set the criteria for the obstacle
course. Encourage students to design course on paper with an explanation of what they are
wanting to do before they build. Students will love the flexibility with this challenge and it’s fun
to see the creativity of the students.
Steps:
1. Group students (2-3 works well)
2. Let students design obstacle course on paper
3. Establish designated fly and safe zones in an open area
4. Take turns with groups setting up their course
5. Have operating student place mini drone in the fly zone
6. Move to the safe zone
7. Have students practice the task of maneuvering through the course
8. Evaluate students using Performance Assessment 2.5: Remote flight challenge(optional)42
Performance Assessment 2.5:
Remote flight challenge (optional)
Name: Date
Terminal Objective 2.5: Created an obstacle course
Performance Objective 2.5: Using an iPad or Android tablet with the free flight mini app,
create an obstacle courses uses creativity to challenge mini drone flight.
Assessment
Follows safety practices Yes ☐ No ☐
Criteria Much below Below Meets Exceeds
Expectations Expectations expectations Expectations
1 Point 2 points 3 points 4 points
Course 1 element 2 elements 3 elements 4+ elements
elements
Course Requires little Requires left and Requires left and Requires great
Difficulty skill to fly right turns right turns and piloting skills
through e.g. different heights e.g. tight spaces,
straight lines or quick
maneuvers
Follows flight Breaks path Generally, Maintains path
path follows path
Accurate Down the street In the yard On the porch
Landing (Misses tile) (Touching tile) (Middle of tile)
Total
Note: To pass this objective, the student must follow safety practices and receive a score of 12 or
higher.
Assessed by: Date:43
Coding with Parrot Mini Drones
Unit 3: Flying the Parrot mini drone autonomously using Tynker
Terminal Objective 3.1: Program the mini drone to fly a simple pattern
Performance Objective 3.1: Using Tynker app, program the Parrot mini drone to fly a simple
pattern within boundaries.
Enabling Objectives:
1. Define programing
2. Identify programing elements (blocks)
3. Sketch program design (pseudocode)
4. Program flight pattern using Tynker app
5. Test program to perform flight task
Materials and Supplies:
● iPad with iOS 8.0 or later or Android tablet with 4.0 or later
● Download and install Tynker app on tablet (found in app store)
● Safety glasses for all participants
● Parrot mini drone: Cargo or Mambo and USB charging device
● Simple Pattern 3.1 (for reference)
● Performance Assessment 3.1: Simple pattern (one for each student)
● Roll of masking tape and 2 foam 2'x2' floor tiles
Learning Activities:
1. Watch: Video ROAV mini 3.1 v1
2. Create flight plan using pseudocode
Formative Assessment:
1. Practice programing using blocks in Tynker app
2. Safely perform autonomous flight of simple pattern.
Summative Assessment:
1. Evaluate students using Performance Assessment 3.1: Simple Pattern
Supplemental teacher resources:
Enabling Classroom Mode
https://www.tynker.com/blog/articles/ideas-and-tips/coding-at-school/programming-
parrot-drones-with-tynker/
Video: Enabling Classroom Mode for Tynker44
Simple Pattern 3.1
To set up this challenge you will need some tape to mark out squares and boundaries. You may
want to use a rug and have students fly above for reference. For this example, the pattern is
provided but alternative patterns can be used to increase challenge or practice. Students will
create a program to fly the pattern within the taped boundaries.
Steps:
1. Establish designated fly and safe zones in an open area
2. In the fly zone, mark out boundaries and starting square (red) on the floor using tape
3. Mark landing square (blue) on the floor (figure 1)
4. Set mini drone on red square
5. Have students create program to follow pattern at initial take off height (3 feet)
6. Have student operating minidrone, place drone in the fly zone
7. Move to the safe zone
8. Have student run program to perform simple pattern
9. Evaluate student’s performance using Performance Assessment 3.1: Simple pattern
Figure 145
Performance Assessment 3.1: Simple Pattern
Name: Date
Terminal Objective 3.1: Program the mini drone to fly a simple pattern
Performance Objective 3.1: Using Tynker app, program the Parrot mini drone to fly a simple
pattern within boundaries.
Assessment
Skill Check Pass Retry
Followed safety practices ○ ○
Demonstrated proper power up and power down procedures ○ ○
Flew mini drone following simple pattern ○ ○
Flew mini drone within boundaries ○ ○
Note: To pass this objective, all skill check items must receive a pass.
Assessed by: Date:46
Coding with Parrot Mini Drones
Unit 3: Flying the Parrot mini drone autonomously using Tynker
Terminal Objective 3.2: Program the mini drone to fly through an obstacle course
Performance Objective 3.2: Using Tynker app, program the mini drone to fly through an
obstacle course with precision.
Enabling Objectives:
1. Define the following terms: dead reckoning, open loop, closed loop, feedback
2. Change values on movement blocks
3. Sketch program design (pseudocode)
4. Program flight pattern using Tynker
5. Troubleshoot program
6. Execute program to perform flight task
Materials and Supplies:
● IPad with iOS 8.0 or later or Android tablet with 4.0 or later
● Download and install Tynker App on tablet (found in app store)
● Safety glasses for all participants
● Parrot Mini Drone: Cargo or Mambo and USB charging device
● Autonomous Challenge 3.2 (for each student)
● Performance Assessment 3.2: Operation Delivery (for each student)
● 3 Hula-hoops, tape, 2 foam 2'x2' tiles
Learning Activities:
1. Video: ROAV mini 3.2 v1
2. Create flight plan in pseudocode
3. Practice programing using blocks in Tynker
Formative Assessment:
1. Safely perform flight with Autonomous Challenge 3.2 activity
Summative Assessment:
1. Evaluate students using Performance Assessment 3.2: Operation Delivery
Supplemental teacher resources:
● Amazon prime air’s first customer delivery
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNySOrI2Ny847
Autonomous Challenge 3.2: Operation Delivery
Name: Date:
Situation
Amazon and other companies are working toward using drones to deliver orders to their
customers. This type of drone system is complex and requires precision and accuracy. Choosing
most efficient routes and avoiding obstacles is key for the success of this type of transport.
Drone programmer pilots need to be able to program these drones to follow paths in order
to deliver packages safely.
Challenge
As a team of independent programmers, you have been asked to test early drone
hardware and software to see if this can be
achieved. The customer, Amazon is wanting
these tests done before acquiring FAA approval.
Your challenge is to program the mini drone to
go through an obstacle course with precision and
efficiency. The course will consist of the
following layout set up in the gym. There will be
a pad for takeoff and one for landing. The drone
must take off and travel through three hula-
hoops before landing. The challenge will be to
get through the obstacles without crashing in the
shortest amount of time.
1) Sketch your program here using pseudocode
. START .
. .
. .
. .
. .
. .
. .
. .
. .
.48
2) Program using Tynker. Your program will probably not work the first time. You will
need to try out your program and make adjustments to achieve this goal. Make sure you
document what changes you made.
Changes to program:
Follow safety practices while completing the following
Criteria Much below Below Meets Exceeds
Expectations Expectations expectations Expectations
1 Point 2 points 3 points 4 points
Avoids Touched ground Hits more than Hits 1 object No collisions
obstacles during flight one
Follows flight Breaks path Generally, Maintains path
path follows path
Accurate Down the street In the yard On the porch
Landing (Misses tile) (Touching tile) (Middle of tile)
Time(standard) 15+ seconds +10-14 seconds +6-9 seconds +1-5 seconds
Set by Teacher
Total
3) Reflection What was the hardest part of this challenge? What would you have done
different?49
Autonomous Challenge 3.2 (reference)
To set up this challenge you will need 3 hoops fixed in an upright position and two foam floor
mats.
Steps:
1. Establish designated fly and safe zones in an open area
2. Set up challenge using hoops and mats. (see fig 1.1)
3. Have operating student place mini drone in the fly zone
4. Move to the safe zone
5. Have student test and troubleshoot code
6. Evaluate student’s performance using Performance Assessment 3.2: Operation Delivery
Figure 1.150
Performance Assessment 3.2:
Operation delivery
Name: Date
Terminal Objective 3.2: Program the mini drone to fly through an obstacle course
Performance Objective 3.2: Using Tynker, program the mini drone to fly through an obstacle
with precision.
Assessment
Follows safety practices Yes ☐ No ☐
Criteria Much below Below Meets Exceeds
Expectations Expectations expectations Expectations
1 Point 2 points 3 points 4 points
Avoids Touched ground Hits more than Hits 1 object No collisions
obstacles during flight one
Follows flight Breaks path Generally, Maintains path
path follows path
Accurate Down the street In the yard On the porch
Landing (Misses pad) (Touching pad) (Middle of pad)
Time(standard) 15+ seconds +10-14 seconds +6-9 seconds +1-5 seconds
Set by Teacher
Total
Note: To pass this objective, the student must follow safety practices and receive a score of 12 or
higher
.
Assessed by: Date:51
Coding with Parrot Mini Drones
Unit 4: Collecting data autonomously
Terminal Objective 4.1: Collect data using Ardusat space board
Performance Objective 4.1: Using a computer, collect data using an Ardusat space board and
read sensor values.
Enabling Objectives:
1. Define what sensors do
2. Identify different types of sensors
3. Set up an Ardusat sensor experiment
4. Record sensor data
Materials and Supplies:
● Computer with internet connection using chrome browser (plugin required for arduino)
● ROAVcopter sensor-kit https://store.ardusat.com/products/rova-copter-sensor-kit
Learning Activities:
1. Video: ROAV mini 4.1 v1
2. Ardusat Space board Sensors https://ehub.ardusat.com/experiments/4709
3. (Optional) Sensor booklet Activity
https://s3.amazonaws.com/ardusat-app/lesson_resources/Customize+Your+Sensor(s)/Sen
sor+Booklet+V2.pdf
Formative Assessment:
1. Activity sheet 4.1: Sensors
Summative Assessment:
1. Evaluate students using Performance Assessment 4.1: Record Sensor Data
Supplemental teacher resources:
● ROAVcopter sensor-kit
https://www.becauselearning.com/
● Ardusat experiment hub
https://ehub.ardusat.com/experiments/overview
● Ardusat Safety video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17iPwzWK440You can also read
